Fibers

About Fibers

At Colorado State University, we study fiber media within the fields of contemporary art and design. Our students develop skills in visual communication using a wide variety of textile processes. Coursework introduces world traditions and the role of textiles in material culture. We investigate the language of textiles as a global phenomenon and as an individual artistic practice. As our students encounter diverse processes and aesthetics, they become adept at creating and transforming fabrics and fiber structures. Undergraduate classwork provides a foundation in weaving, surface design, and related textile techniques. Students direct their talents toward the requirements of future careers in art, design, and education. Study abroad and internship opportunities are available. CSU alumni exhibit their work nationally and internationally; teach at public schools, colleges, and universities; and lead workshop programs throughout the US. Our alumni also jury and curate exhibitions, work as designers, and write for national publications.

Studio

Occupying 3,400 square feet, our facilities include a weaving studio and a fabric-printing area. Adjacent to the printing area is a well-ventilated dye room equipped with burners, six industrial sinks, stacked washer-dryer, and bullet steamer. This room can function as a darkroom and houses light-table units to expose photo-emulsion screens. An interior courtyard permits outdoor fabric dyeing and drying, and eases work with hot-wax methods. Our 44 floor looms include various 4-to-16-shaft looms and an upright tapestry loom. The weaving studio has an area for sewing and cutting fabric. Facilities include a studio library. We are located near a well-equipped wood shop, digital-fabrication studio, computer lab, and graduate studio.

Resources

Visiting artists enrich our program and the University Center for the Arts is a short walk away; it houses the CSU Art Museum, which has featured works by prominent American fiber artists. The UCA complex also includes the Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising, with its collection of more than 18,000 costumes, textiles, and interior and global artifacts. Art students may take supporting coursework in the Department of Design and Merchandising. Sixty miles away, the Denver Art Museum features textile galleries created in 2013 and involves CSU students in textile-education programs. Northern Colorado is home to many textile interest groups and entrepreneurs, and students frequently participate in special events, conferences, internships, and community-outreach programs.

Fibers Contact

Fibers Gallery

Fibers Curriculum

ART 250, Fibers I
This class focuses on cloth as an expressive medium and provides instruction in techniques of weaving, stitching, printing, dyeing, and painting fabric. Aesthetic communication skills are developed using the language of textiles, with research in world traditions and contemporary art. Studio projects focus on fabric’s unique ties to perception, identity, memory, and the physical environment. Prior foundation coursework or related background is expected.

ART 350 and ART 351, Fibers II and III
These courses build on fundamental skills developed in Fibers I with continued investigation of color, pattern, materials, and form in relation to screen printing, dyes, and weaving. The curriculum rotates study topics in off-loom and stitched textiles, resist-dye techniques, and ikat. Study of historic textiles and contemporary artists leads to individual research and inspires personal studio investigation. Students may apply their skills to established or experimental textile formats, mixed media, sculpture, costume, design, or installation.

ART 450 and ART 451, Fibers IV and V
Senior courses emphasize individual studio practice and research in fiber media. Students pursue self-directed technical investigations and present lectures on research topics and leaders in their fields of interest. In ART451, the capstone fibers course, seniors create a cohesive body of artworks for exhibition. In addition to this thesis show, students prepare portfolio materials: artist statement, resume, and professional-level images of finished works.

ART 495 and 496, Independent Study and Group Study
With appropriate prerequisites, students may investigate specialized topics within fibers and textiles in independent-study and group-study classes. These courses are not required, but provide students with opportunities to reach higher levels of artistic achievement.

ART 487, Internship
Internships offer supervised work experience in approved work locations. Fibers students work with local and regional artist-entrepreneurs, arts organizations, and businesses such as Interweave Press in Loveland and Schacht Spindle Company in Boulder.